What is Pentecost?
In 2024, Pentecost Sunday is May 19th.
Pentecost is a significant event in the liturgical calendar for Christians. It holds great importance as it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament book of Acts. This event occurred fifty days after Easter, hence the name Pentecost which means "fiftieth day" in Greek.
Pentecost occurred during one of three major Jewish festivals that caused many visitors to come to Jerusalem from all over the Mediterranean world. |
The Day of Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus, marks the day when the disciples felt a renewed sense of connection with their risen Lord. Pentecost marks the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire, empowering them to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ. This event is viewed by many as the "birth of the Church" as it marked the beginning of the Christian community.
As the Pentecost story is described in the Bible, each person present could understand the preaching of the apostles, even though they spoke different languages. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in different languages, allowing them to communicate with people from various regions and backgrounds. This event symbolizes the universality of the Christian message and the breaking down of barriers between people.
As the Pentecost story is described in the Bible, each person present could understand the preaching of the apostles, even though they spoke different languages. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in different languages, allowing them to communicate with people from various regions and backgrounds. This event symbolizes the universality of the Christian message and the breaking down of barriers between people.
Pentecost is seen as a time of empowerment for Christians to carry out the mission of spreading the Gospel. The Holy Spirit provided the apostles with the courage, wisdom, and gifts needed to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ boldly.
Pentecost is a time for renewal and revival within the Christian community. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, inspiring them to continue their spiritual growth and witness to their faith.
In many Christian denominations, Pentecost is observed with special church services that may include readings from the Bible, prayers, hymns, and sermons focused on the Holy Spirit's role in the life of believers. One of the most distinctive aspects of these Pentecost celebrations is the use of red as the liturgical color, symbolizing the flames of the Holy Spirit as described in the Bible.
Pentecost is a significant moment in the liturgical calendar that celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian Church, while also reminding believers of their call to spread the message of love, unity, and redemption to the world.
What does the Bible say about the Day of Pentecost?
Acts 2:1-12 NRSV*
Acts 2:1-12 NRSV*
1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.
6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?
9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretans and Arabs — in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power."
12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem.
6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.
7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?
8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?
9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretans and Arabs — in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power."
12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
* New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Project Zion Podcast Episode 76: Common Grounds - Pentecost
Join Karin Peter for a Common Grounds episode. Karin talks to Blake Smith about Pentecost and its significance during the liturgical calendar.
|
Project Zion Podcast Episode 586: Coffee to Go - Pentecost
The Spirit of God like a fire is burning! It’s Pentecost Sunday, and in this episode of Coffee to Go, cohosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore the scripture text that tells of this spirit-filled day. Put on something red, and join them as they discuss the radical inclusivity that plays out on this day in the journey of the disciples, and how the Spirit continues to be present in the quiet and in the chaos.
For more information on breathing peace and other spiritual practices for kids, go to: https://www.allthingsarespiritual.org/spiritual-practices-for-children-and-youth.html
|
Pentecost: ‘Just Tell the Love of Jesus’
It’s true the church is facing numerous challenges. In some places, membership is shrinking. In other places, membership is growing faster than the church can provide disciple formation and support. Around the world, we face financial constraints that will drive us to make difficult, previously unimagined decisions. Amid all that, we still need to discern leadership for the future and keep our hearts and minds focused on living Christ’s mission. It can feel overwhelming.
Pentecost blog post by Stassi D. Cramm who serves as a member of the First Presidency of Community of Christ and counselor to the president of the church.
Pentecost: "Touch Me, Lord"
In the season of Pentecost, when worship planners look for a hymn to convey deep spiritual longing with musical, soul-moving sound, they often choose, “Touch Me, Lord, with Thy Spirit Eternal.”
Arguably one of the most popular and meaningful new hymns that emerged from Hymns of the Saints, published in 1981, this song has found a place in our hearts. In the intervening years, the text has been translated into French and Spanish, and the hymn is listed as part of the Core Repertoire in Community of Christ Sings (2013). It is sung around the world.
Arguably one of the most popular and meaningful new hymns that emerged from Hymns of the Saints, published in 1981, this song has found a place in our hearts. In the intervening years, the text has been translated into French and Spanish, and the hymn is listed as part of the Core Repertoire in Community of Christ Sings (2013). It is sung around the world.
Pentecost blog post by Jane M. Gardner Community of Christ presiding evangelist.
Spiritual Practice Resources
Spiritual Formation awakens disciples to the Divine Presence in the midst of everyday life.
Through Spiritual Practice we learn to listen for God’s Spirit and discern invitations to share God’s love. Please visit our Spiritual Practice Resource page for additional information. |